Anonymous donor contributes $15,000 for Gonic playground project

ROCHESTER — Gonic Elementary School received $15,000 from an anonymous donor for the school’s ongoing playground project.

According to Principal Gwen Rhodes, the school heard of a grant through the N.H. Charitable Foundation. They applied for the grant, not knowing how much it would be worth.

Shortly after, they received a check for $15,000. The school still has no idea who made the money for the grant available, as the only name given is the Flat Irons Fund.

“I am humbled by the generosity of this Samaritan. He or she knows that all children need a quality playground in their community,” said PTA playground committee chair Matthew Pappas.

The money will be used to fix drainage issues that have been plaguing the playground.

“We’ll now have enough money by next summer to get started,” said Rhodes.

She explained the school sometimes has to close the playground after rainy days because its just too muddy.

“The need to get out and some fresh air. It’s not just for playtime, it’s also for learning,” said Rhodes, of the importance of her students getting out and playing on the playground.

The anonymous donor’s money will kick-start the planning for phase two of the playground. The first phase was getting a play structure. The committee raised roughly $35,000 to complete that phase.

“We have worked hard to raise the funds necessary to replace the aging equipment,” said Pappas.

The second phase is dealing with the drainage issues. “We need to put down a new top surface,” said Rhodes. With the grant, the committee can now get started on planning it.

Future plans detail phase three which is getting new equipment. Rhodes said a lot of the students have voiced a desire for climbing equipment.

She said the school hopes to put in an area with tables that serves as an outdoor classroom.

“Something I have learned through the five years I have headed these efforts is that quality playground equipment is not cheap,” said Pappas.

While the donation allows the committee to get started on phase two, fundraising will continue.

Past fundraisers include the recent Touch-A-Truck event. The next event will be the Fly Like an Eagle 5K in September. The annual event will include a kids’ fun run this year. Rhodes said a lot of local businesses and residents have made donations as well.

The news of the anonymous donor’s grant was shared with the students. “They’re very excited,” she said.

“We are sincerely grateful for the kindness and philanthropy this anonymous donor has provided for our children,” said Pappas.